Michigan Senators want quicker action on Isle Royale's fading wolves

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Several U.S. senators want the federal government to decide faster what to do about Isle Royale National Park's imperiled wolf population.

Scientists say only three gray wolves remain on the Lake Superior island chain. Their numbers have plummeted in recent years, probably because of illness and inbreeding complications.

Wolves have long preyed on moose, helping keep their island population in check.

Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan sent a letter Friday to Jonathan Jarvis, director of the National Park Service. They said without wolves, the moose will degrade Isle Royale's vegetation and eventually suffer their own crash.

The park service is planning a review that could last two to three years. The senators urged the agency to move faster and consider emergency measures, including bringing in more wolves.

The ongoing study of wolves and moose on Isle Royale in Lake Superior has hit a critical juncture. Researchers in charge of the longest continuous study of a predator-prey system anywhere in the world released their annual report today.